Overview
- Chinese makers led the Beijing Auto Show with new electric, hybrid and software-defined models as Volkswagen advanced an “In China, for China” play that includes 50 China‑specific models by 2030 through joint ventures that now include XPeng.
- BYD debuted the Denza Z9 GT, a three‑motor flagship rated at 965 hp that claims 0–100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and about 630 km of range from a 100 kWh LFP battery under China’s test cycle.
- Geely tied its next‑gen EM‑i plug‑in hybrids to efficiency gains, citing a 1.5‑liter engine at 46.5% thermal efficiency and a series‑production record claim of 48.4% to cut fuel use in hybrid driving.
- XPeng put AI‑driving features at the center with its new Mona brand and showed 800 kW chargers that target roughly a kilometer of range per second, while Leapmotor’s Stellantis‑co‑developed C16 uses an 800V setup that can charge from 30% to 80% in 15 minutes.
- Chery said the Omoda 4 will reach Italy by late 2026 as a full hybrid priced around €20,000, with a plug‑in hybrid to follow and a battery model sold in China but unlikely for Italy.